"See More Bottom"...Catch More Fish
A transducer is best described as an electronic device that converts input signals of one kind into output signals of another kind, such as sound waves to electrical waves. In the case of fish-finder or depth finder transducers, an electronic ping sounding is emitted from the transducer, bounces from an object which it intersects, and is instantaneously received by the transducer. An image below the boat is detected from the emitted and returned “pings” and is translated to an electronic image recorded by the onboard electronics. The result is generally made visible on the screen of an on-board monitor. Boaters and fishermen use transducers mounted on or in their boats to detect images of fish, bottom structures, topography, depth of water and generally aid in navigation by locating images below the bottom of a boat. And, of course, there are many different types and models of equipment to suit most any user requirement. Many boat owners and fishermen are now equipping their boats with multiple transducers and electronics which perform various functions. The method and type of mounting a transducer used on boats oftentimes becomes very confusing. There are typically only 3 types of methods of mounting a transducer in a boat.
Transom-mounted transducer: The transducer is externally mounted on the transom whereby the face of the transducer makes contact with the water. Typically, these are the most effective, the easiest to service, to adjust for an optimum sounding, easily replaceable and, of course, the most popular. This type of transducer mounting allows for maximum performance of your electronic equipment as designed by its manufacturer. To mount a transom-mounted transducer, screw-holes are required by drilling holes below the waterline of your boat. Review and understanding your boat warranty should be considered before mounting this type of transducer. Many boat owners are reluctant to mount transom-mounted transducers. Transducer mounting accessories are available and designed to effectively mount and manage a transom transducer without drilling and to avoid the likelihood of compromising the integrity of the boat hull.
"Shoot-thru-the-hull-transducer: The transducer is mounted inside of the hull, usually in a bilge, sump or keel, permanently adhered to the hull with an epoxy or may be contained in a liquid reservoir. The sonar ping emitted from the transducer must penetrate a solid unblemished hull material to effectively record a sounding. The transducer has no contact with the water outside of the boat. These generally are installed to avoid the necessity of making screw-holes in a transom below the waterline, for protection, and in most instances, will reduce or can compromise the effectiveness of the transducer and equipment sounding. Compromises are made in regards to eliminating a speed wheel, if equipped, recording water temperature and a reduction in sounding performance. Unlike the easily maintained transom-mounted transducer, this method of mounting is generally fixed in place with a bonding material and cannot be adjusted, serviced or changed without the likelihood of destroying the transducer during removal.
“Through-hull”: The transducer is permanently installed in a "through-hull" hole on the bottom side of the boat hull whereby the face of the transducer is in contact with the water. It is usually “faired” to the hull deadrise (angles) so as to cause its beam to be parallel to the surface of the water. This transducer is fixed, cannot be adjusted, and is most always found on larger boats. They are usually the most expensive to purchase, install and to replace and seldom are found on trailer boats. These are the most permanent of all types of transducers.
